Resolution Appointing an Expert Member for the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and People with Disabilities in Africa - ACHPR/Res.269(LV)2014

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) meeting at its 55^th Ordinary Session, in Luanda, Angola, 28April to 05 May 2014;

Considering its mandate to promote human and peoples’ rights and ensure their protection in Africa under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter);

Recalling its Resolution ACHPR/Res.106 (XXXXI) 07 of 30 May 2007, on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa, adopted at the 41^st Ordinary Session, held from 16 to 30 May 2007, in Accra, Ghana; 

Further recalling its Resolution ACHPR/Res.118 (XXXXII), on the Appointment of a Focal Point on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa, that was adopted at the 42^nd Ordinary Session, held from 15 to 28 November 2007 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo;

Further recalling its Resolution ACHPR/Res.143 (XXXXV) 09 transforming the Focal Point on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa into a Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and People with Disabilities in Africa; 

Considering that the African Charter makes specific provisions for the protection of these rights, under Article 18 (4), which stipulates that “the aged and the disabled shall also have the right to special measures of protection in keeping with their physical or moral needs”;

Considering further paragraph 20 of the Kigali Declaration which “calls upon Member States to develop a Protocol on the protection of the rights of people with disabilities and the elderly”; 

Further recalling its Resolution ACHPR/Res.143 (XXXXV) 09 transforming the Focal Point on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa into a Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and People with Disabilities in Africa;

Bearing in mind the mandate assigned to the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and People with Disabilities, which include    holding comprehensive brainstorming sessions to articulate the rights of older persons and people with disabilities, identifying good practices to be replicated in Member States; and to facilitate the process of drafting the Protocols on the rights of older persons and persons with disabilities;

Further recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res.250 (CCL) 13 on the renewal of the mandate and appointment of the Chairperson and other Members of the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and People with Disabilities in Africa; 

Recognizing the work and the outstanding achievements made by the Chairperson and Members of the Working Group, with specific reference to the Protocol on Older Persons, adopted by the Commission at the 52^nd Ordinary Session, held from 9 to 22 October 2012 in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire;

Considering the need to allow the Working Group on Older Persons and People with Disabilities to continue to carry out its mandate and to address urgent related matters, in particular drafting the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

Decides to:

Maintain the membership of the following experts:

1. Mr Tavengwa Machekano Nhongo,
2.  DrNadia Abdel-Wahab El-Afify,
3.  Dr Isabelle Anita Gbemisola Aboderin,
4.  Mr Kudakwashe Dube.

Appoint for a period of two years:

5. Dr. Elly Macha

Adopted at the 55^th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Luanda, Angola, 28 April to 12 May 2014